The county’s current medial examiner spoke to the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners Tuesday during the panel’s regular meeting.

Donald Ramsay attended Tuesday’s session and addressed the Board. He explained that he has been the medical examiner for seven years, and has not come before the Board of Commissioners since he took the position in 2006.

He explained that Howard Otto had filled the role prior to his tenure, and Ramsay served as Otto’s deputy before taking on the position himself. Although he is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, Ramsay said he is not a pathologist, and uses the services of others when an autopsy is required.

Ramsay said his primary role as medical examiner is to decide when an autopsy is warranted. In cases of unattended deaths or homicides or suicides, Ramsay is contacted to make a determination.

When a death is of a suspicious nature or is concerning to authorities, such as a suspected drug overdose, Ramsay is called in, as all other causes of death must be ruled out. Ramsay said he won’t force an autopsy unnecessarily in cases when it is not required.

“The position requires that you must be vigilant, work with the police and work with a forensic pathologist when needed,” Ramsay explained. “I also have a good working relationship with the funeral homes in the area.”

He noted that he has a cooperative agreement with McLaren Northern Michigan to use the Cheboygan campus hospital facility’s morgue, and the arrangement with the hospital is “going well.”

Ramsay said he has leaned a lot during his seven years of service.

Cheboygan County Sheriff Dale Clarmont commended Ramsay, noting that he has done an outstanding job for the county.